Sweden
How To Celebrate Walpurgis In Your Back Yard
Glad Valborg! Check out a few ways to celebrate Walpurgis Eve in your backyard!
Whether you’re warding off evil or simply praising the fact that the weather is getting warmer, here are a few tips, recipes and ideas for hosting a Walpurgis celebration in your own back yard.
The Eats
Spring nights still can be chilly, especially in Sweden. That’s why nettle soup is a popular dish for this celebration and a recipe that serves as a sign of spring. If the weather permits, enjoy a backyard barbeque or a smörgåsbord of Swedish favorites. Here are a few recipes for inspiration:
- Tunnbrödsrulle: the ultimate Swedish-style hot dog
- Wallenbergare: a luxurious veal burger
- Räksmörgås eller räkmacka: otherwise known as an open prawn sandwich
- Kale salad with toasted hazelnuts: a perfect companion dish to any of the above!
And for dessert? These sweet and sugary, bite-sized Walpurgis night doughnut holes are sure to be a party favorite.
The Drinks
From hard ciders, beers, aquavits or whatever wets your whistle, Umgås has you covered. For a sweeter, lighter and fruitier libation, Rekorderlig offers a variety of flavored ciders and a cider finder to help you locate the nearest retailer. In need of something a bit stronger? Create your own flavored spirit with snaps mix infusion kits from Swedish Sweets and More (just add your favorite vodka or aquavit). If you’re more of a beer drinker, Omnipollo has several collaborations with American breweries (see if any are available at a Total Wine near you). Prefer a signature cocktail instead? Here are some fun recipes that will surely impress.
The Setup
No Walpurgis celebration is complete without a bonfire. If you don’t have a fire pit or a space large enough for a tall, roaring bonfire, a Swedish torch will suffice. Its flame is perfect for roasting marshmallows, and it lets off just enough heat to keep guests nice and toasty.
Now throw on some tunes, play a Swedish drinking game or two and you have yourself a backyard celebration to welcome spring!
